

3t\ 



USS^<A 




JOURNAL gp 

WILLIAM K ■ BE ALL, 

JULY- AUGUST, 1812 



REPRINTED FROM THE 



;3^mcrican Tti^totical Review 

VOL. XVll.. NO. 4 J'JLY, 1912 



^f^/ 



/ 



I 

'0 



-^ [Reprinted from The American Historical Review, Vol. XVII., No. 4, July, 1912."] 



is 



DOCUMEi\TS 

Journal of ll'illiani K. Brail, July-August, 181 2 

The following journal is the property of Mr. Hugh Knox Miles 
of Newport, Kentucky, and Cincinnati. The opportunity for its 
puhlication, which may be deemed especially appropriate to July, 
1912, is afforded us by Rev. Miles W. Smith, of Tarkio, Missouri, 
nephew of the owner, who copied it for publication and has supplied 
interesting information regarding it. The journal is contained in 
a small manuscript volume which descended to Mr. Miles from his 
mother, Mary Jane Beall (]\lrs. Samuel Thomas Miles), daughter of 
Benjamin Duke Beall and niece of William Kennedy Beall, the 
writer. 

William K. Beall (pron. Bell) and Melinda his wife lived on an 
extensive estate called Beallmont, on the Ohio River a little above 
Newport, Kentucky. Beallmont extended along the river about six 
miles, from near the present site of Brent, Kentucky, up to that of 
2^Ientor, and also back from the river some six miles. 

Mr. Beall joined Hull's army in the spring of 1812 and was made 
an assistant quartermaster-general under his friend and neighbor 
General James Taylor. His early capture, under the circumstances 
related in his journal and familiar to historians, makes it impossible 
that the document should be a source of the first importance for the 
main events of the campaign. Yet it is interesting for many details, 
such as his glimpses of Tecumtha and his descriptions of the local- 
ities, and for the general atmosphere of the mismanaged and dis- 
astrous campaign. 

One matter reported by the diarist, under date of July 8, would 
be of much importance if we could suppose him to have been cor- 
rectly informed. This is the statement of Captain Dewar and Lieu- 
tenant Gooding, that in General Hull's trunk (which it will be re- 
membered left his custody on the evening of June 30) they saw a 
declaration of war, enclosed to the general by the Secretary of War. 
But it is now known with certainty that Hull received no such an- 
nouncement till July 2 (see note 15 below). The accusation of 
treacherv in this matter formed the first specification under the first 
charge (treason) at Hull's court-martial. The evidence disposed of 
it, and the court exonerated him so far as this charge was concerned. 

(783) 



784 Docu7nc7its 

While it may not be possible to say what Captain Dewar and Lieu- 
tenant Gooding saw, it is certain that the three letters, taken from the 
Americans, which St. George sent to Prevost and which Prevost 
sent to Lord Liverpool, and which were presumably the most impor- 
tant among those found, contained no information of the sort. They 
can be identified by the comparison of the Report on Canadian Ar- 
chivcs for 1893, pages 66, 67, 68, with the Historical Collections of 
the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, XX \'. ;^22-^2^. 

On board the Schooner Thames lying at 
anchor off Maiden, July 5th i8i2. 

Instead of a comfortable home, the endearing smiles, and the enliven- 
ing converse of those I love, I am now a prisoner, insulated from the 
world and society, and without one page of literature wherewith to 
beguile the dull and tedious hours of thraldom. To relieve the tcdcum 
x'itae of my captive days, I shall therefore employ myself in briefly and 
imniethodically registering in the form of a Journal such occurrences as 
I may wish to preserve from the oblivial hand of forgetfulness. 

The North Western army under command of Br. Genl. William 
Hull, after marching through a wilderness of near Two Hundred miles 
and encountering innumerable deep swamps, marshes, and heavv rains 
almost every day. at length arrived at the Miami of the Lakes on the 
29th June 1812. The day was clear, and after a long and tedious march 
through such wearisome swamps, and drinking from brooks that flowed 
as yellow as saft'ron, to come suddenly and unexpectedly in view of a 
transparent river washing the borders of a dry and luxuriant countrv 
was a scene which enlivened the countenances of the fatigued soldiers, 
and created joy and admiration throughout all the army. After march- 
ing about one mile down the river the army encamped with perfect 
regularity three miles above the foot of the rapids, on a broad and 
verdant beach half a mile wide. On the following day the officers and 
soldiers agreeable to Orders appeared on parade in full and clean dress 
and after being mustered and crossing the River in boats, march in good 
order occasionally to the band, the drums and fifes, through a small 
town,' and encamped two miles below the Rapids on ground not less 
advantageous than the former. The situation of our department being 
in the front next the Commdr. in Chief, I could see the whole army on 
its march. The two front Regiments were uniformed, and those in the 
rear were too distant to distinguish dress. The army marched in sections. 
forming a line of near two miles in length, the day was clear and favor- 
able to the appearance of their muskets which reflected the brilliancy of 
the sun. The light Dragoons elegantly uniformed formed the advance 
guard. The 4th Regt. U. S. Infantry was in front of Col. Cass's and col. 
Findlay's Regts., and Col. McArthur brought up the Rear.' The Rifle 
Companies formed a flank guard, and marching by .single file at some 
distance from each other, extended to the rear on each side the armv. 
The view was gr.-iml nnd inspiring and the Genl. was in fine spirit's. 

' Maunice City. 

'The Fourth United States Infantry was under the command of Lieut. -Col. 
James Miller. Cass's. Findlay's and Mc.Anhurs regiments were the Third. Sec- 
ond, and First Ohio \'olunteers respectively. 



Jojirjial of William K. Beall 785 

Genl. Taylor the Quarter Mr. Genl.' was very unwell and that day 
received dispatches by express from Newport, Kentucky. 

Being on constant duty all day, I had not had an opportunity of satis- 
factorily viewing a country which I thought as beautiful and almost as 
fertile as any I ever beheld. However I stole time sufficient to ride on 
the ground where Genl. Wayne defeated the Indians Augt. 1795,' and 
an old Fort once Occupied by the British. It was called Fort George, 
and is situated one and a half miles below the rapids on a high and 
commanding bank of the River, and between the River and the Fort is 
a high and luxuriant beach two hundred yards wide. Immediately at the 
bottom of the bank below the fort, there is a fine spring from which the 
troops in the Fort procured water by a strong and concealed passway 
under ground. The Country back is level, but not so high by twenty feet 
as the ground on which the Fort stood, and from decayed appearances 
it must have been almost impregnable by storm. It is perfectly round, 
about one Hundred feet in diameter, and is surrounded by numerous 
strong batteries and deep entrenchments. Inside there appears to have 
been many apartments underground where they might rest secure from 
bombs, and where no balls could possibly penetrate. Many of the Indians 
after Genl. W'ayne defeated them retreated to this Fort, which was then 
garrisoned with British troops, but they were not permitted to enter, 
knowing that Genl. Wayne in consequence of such protection would 
besiege the Fort. Indeed Genl. Wayne had long thought they en- 
couraged and assisted the Indians, and sought many pretexts for attack- 
ing them but they were careful to give him none. Part of the army 
happening to march by, the fort sent out to know the cause of their 
approach and threatening to fire on them if the[y] came nearer. After 
which Genl. Wayne rode by himself to the spring below the Fort, dipped 
up water in his hat and drank of it, in hopes they would fire and give 
him cause of Attack. I have been told by a British officer that one of 
the Fort would inevitablv have killed the Genl. when in that situation 
had not the commandt. of the Garrison stept up in time to prevent it. 

On the 1st day of July the army marched for Detroit, and although 
a great quantity of heavy baggage had been left at Fort Findlay,'* yet the 
teams being worn out, in want of forage, and the great number of 
waggons greatly impeded the progress of the Army. To remedy which 
by Genl. Hull's order a great quantity of medical and Quarter Master's 
stores, officers' baggage and all the sick of the Army was left to be trans- 
ported by water to Detroit. On the same day that the Army marched, a 
considerable part of the stores and baggage, 3 sick sergeants and 8 sick 
Rank and file of the militia, one well sergt., 2 sick Do. and 17 Sick Rank 
and file of the 4th Regt. U. S. Infantry, were put on board the Packet of 
Cayahoga* a small schooner of 15 or 20 Ton Burthen, Luther Chapin 
Capt. and master. Having been very unwell during the march of the 
Army I reed, letters of introduction to Capt. Whistler commanding at 
Detroit and went on Board as a passenger to take care of the Quarter 
Master Stores on our arrival. The other passengers were Mrs. Bacon, 
Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Gooding, Capt. Sharp of Cass's Regt. who was very 

' Gen. James Taylor of Newport, Kentucky. His testimony is to be found in 
Hull's Trial (1S14), PP. 138-144. 

* August 20, 1794. The fort was that commonly called Fort Miami. 

* A fort built oji the line of march by Col. Findlay ; now Findlay, Ohio. 
' Cuyahoga. 



786 Doaiments_ 

ill, George Gooding, 2nd Lt. 4th U. S. Infy. who had charge of the 
soldiers and baggage of the 4th Regt.,' Lt. Dent who had the care of the 
baggage of Col. Cass's Regt., Two small boys, and 2 women of the 4th 
Regt. The crew consisted of Capt. Chapin and three sailors, one of 
whom was sick. Such was the goodly unprepared and unsuspecting 
Junto, who unaware of the existence of hostilities between their govern- 
ment and Great Britain : about 2 o'clock A. M. on the first day of that 
ever memorable month July and in the eventful year of 1812 weighed 
anchor and slowly floated down the calm surface of the Miami of the 
Lakes. No command was given to any one of us to my knowledge, we 
were not cautioned to be on our guard, no preparations were made for 
defence, nor did we receive any instructions, further than to Sail to 
Detroit. ..." a little vessel, which if well armed would not have been 
able to contend for a passage by the war Vessels and batteries of [sic] 
at Maiden.' Such of the sick as were least unwell were put in an open 
Boat under charge of Dr. Reynolds,'" but as there was no wind for the 
schooner to sail they rowed past us, and we did not see them again. 
The Miami of the Lakes increases rapidly and in 18 miles from the foot 
of the Rapids loses itself in Lake Erie. We had no wind and only 
floated 8 miles before night when Capt. Chapin cast anchor. About 
Eleven or Twelve O'clock a brisk and fair wind blew up and the schooner 
sailed, but on entering Lake Erie ran on a shoal and did [not] again get 
under way until near sunrise. From the mouth of the Miami to Detroit 
River, is Thirty miles, and having a fair and heavy wind sailed near 9 
miles on hour. The swells were very high, the vessel small and all the 
passengers seasick except myself. I had never been on such an exten- 
sive water before. I had never seen such majestic waves, and the 
vessel in riding them and the novelty of the scene rendered the passage 
for a while delightful. It was the only occurrence which had enlivened 
me after my departure from Newport. The object for which the Army 
was destined, their martial appearance and the turmoil and bustle of the 
Camp though congenial to my nature and my wishes; (owing to my 
debilitated state of health and depressed spirits) did not create one 
cheerful idea. While crossing the Lake I opened the Lady of the Lake, 
and the beauty of the following lines induced me to memorize them." 

The cabin of the vessel being occupied by the ladies at night I had 
been compelled to slumber on deck, and I slept so unsoundly that about 

' Lieut. Gooding's testimony is in Hull's Trial, pp. loo-ioi. 

'At this point the followincr words have been deleted, whether by the author 
or by some other person, is not known : " I do not here intend to blame the 
Commandr. in chief; far from it. For as a declaration of War was unknown to 
him, he did not e.xpect a capture or detainure of the vessel. If he had thought 
such an event possible, he certainly would not have risked so many persons and 
so much baggage on board." Gen. Taylor, the quartermaster-general, says in his 
testimony that he doubted the safety of what was thus sent, especially after he 
heard that the vessel must go past Maiden. 

• It appears that the proper name of the township was Maiden, that of the fort 
.Amherstburg. See the pamphlet by C. C. James, Early History of the Toun of 
Amhcrsthurg (.\mherstburg. 100:;). 

'* Surgeon's mate James Reynolds. The boat inider his charge passed up the 
more shallow channel at the west side of Bois Blanc Island, and reached Detroit 
in safety on the afternoon of July .^. 

" Hire follow the three stanzas beginning. " The heath th?S night must be my 
bed ". 



\ 

> 

Jotcrnal of William A^j Beall 787 

8 miles from Fort Maiden I fell asleep. I w^^s afterwards awakened" 
and informed that we were near Amherstbur&p\, and on rising we had 
just passed the Revenue Cutter which had beCi-^ expected at the Rapids 
and which was beating slowly down the River, jl was told that she came 
close by the packet and spoke her but they did ''lot perfectly understand. 
The view of Amherstburgh, a small town below Fort Maiden, though in- 
differently built, and the adjoining country, appeared beautiful. The 
green meadows and wheatfields were waving be 'ore the wind in a lovely 
and superior imitation of Lake Frie. and everything appeared to wear the 
cheering smiles of peace and plenty. As if anxic.us to assist in depriving 
us of our liberty Aeolius with heavy wind and neptune with foaming 
waves with double impetuosity was urging the vessel toward Fort 
Maiden when we e.^^piod a boat which appeared to be crossing from the 
point of an Island, and which we supposed to be a canoe of Indians. 
About three fourths of a mile below the Fort the River is separated by 
three Islands and several very small ones into a miniber of streams, all of 
which except one is too shallow and full of shoals to be navigated by 
any other than Row Boats. The one alluded to is that which runs by 
Fort Maiden and which is deep enough for vessels of any burthen. The 
boat which we had taken for an Indian canoe on our nearer approach 
proved to be a long boat with a naval offr. and six sailors on Board, who 
having laid on their oars for a short time made for us, and Capt. Chapin 
supposing they wished to make only some friendly enquiries did not 
alter his course. They were armed with cutlasses and heavy pistols 
belted around them and raising their muskets the officer ordered the 
main sails to be lowered, which not being done he fired a Pistol in the 
air. Capt. Chapin began to lower them, but expecting we could get 
around the Island I requested him to hoist them. He did so but re- 
plied impossible. What was to be done, we had no idea of the Com- 
mencement of war, the hole was too full of baggage to admit more than 
5 or 6 of the sick, the balance, women and all crowded on Deck, the 
cabin not more than large enough for the women to retreat to, no room 
to handle or manage the sails, the muskets and cartridge boxes with what 
few damaged cartridges that were in them, were all stowed away under 
the baggage in the hole, and the sick and defenceless exposed to the shot 
of the boat. The Brigh Hunter^^ mounting 14 guns was under way after 
us. we were too far advanced in the channel to get back, and a long boat 
with 60 Infantry had put out below us to cut off our retreat, and were 
making for us. Indeed we were within shot of them, nor did we per- 
ceive them until we had passed them. As we passed the long boat. Capt. 
Rollet'* the naval officer pointed a pistol at Lt. Gooding who was stand- 
ing near the helm, and repeated the order. " dozvse your ntaiusails ". Lt. 
Gooding cried, " I have no command here sir ". A shot was then fired 
directly at us, and I thought like others did. that they aimed at me and 
the ball passed close to me. Capt. Chapin enquired what he should do. 
" Do as you please ", replied Lt. Gooding, and the mainsails were lowered. 
The vessel floated till Capt. Rollet and his six men came along side and 
entered her. I demanded of the Officer his authority for boarding us, 

"Morning of July 3. 

"The Hunter. 10 puns, was part of the small British fleet on Lake Erie. 

"Lieut. Frederic Rolette, who was born at Quebec in 1783, and had fought at 
the Nile and Trafalgar, was now a lieutenant in the provincial marine, and com- 
manded the Hunter. 

AM. HIST. REV., VOL. XVII. — 5I. 



788 Documents 

and he replied that an e.Vjress had reached Ft. Maiden the night before, 
stating that war was d/^lared, and that the Americans had taken two 
british vessels on the laih.es below." 

The vessel was steerpd up to the Dock yard and anchored, a guard 
sent on Board, and Capt. Duer the Asst. Q. Mr. Genl." took a list of our 
names, Rank, and the Xo. of Men. Until Capt. Rollet stated that a 
declaration of war had, taken place I was not positive but that as the 
Embargo law had not e.^pired* they wished to see Capt. Chapin's clear- 
ance, or see if no contraband goods were on board and let her pass on. 
I did not know but what it was customary to make such examinations 
in all Ports or that they seeing a vessel loaded with soldiers approach- 
ing, and anticipating a declaration of war, did not know but that it 
was the commencement of an attack, and wished to ascertain. Such 
and various other conjectures, owing [to] my little knowledge in affairs 
of this kind, instantly revolved themselves in my mind. And when told 
that war was declared, although I had contemplated such an event, yet 
I doubted it: I still expected they were wrong informed and that when 
Genl. Hull demanded us we would be permitted to go on to Detroit. 

Capt Rollet expressed his regret at being compelled by his orders to 
take us. and Capt. Duer, Capt. Barwis,'" and other Officers requested us 
not to consider ourselves as prisoners of war. but only as detained on 
account of the dispatches which had reached them from Maiden. They 
declared it was a very unpleasant occurrence, hoped that the statement 
of war might prove incorrect, desired we would make our time as agree- 
able as possible, that any service they could render us they would with 
pleasure, and said if their wishes could have been gratified we should 
have gone by without interruption. They sd. if authentic information 
reached them that war was not declared we would be released, but if war 
had been or after our detainure was declared, that we would be con- 
sidered as prisoners of war. Lt. Gooding expressed a desire to dine on 
shore, and to put up at a publick house during our stay. Capt. Duer 
waited on Col. St. George the Comma [njdant of Fort Maiden." and 
returned with permission for us to do so on our Parole, but said that 
Col. St. George feared the Indians might injure us and said that the 
troops were so much engaged, that he could not furnish a guard to 
protect us at a publick house, and if we went we must do it on our own 
responsibility. Capt. Duer said the Indians were very much enraged 
with tile Americans, that he thought it unsafe for us to be on shore 
particularly at night, and advised us to guarde against savages who he 
feared would take our lives if it could be done secretlv or in a crowd. 
He said that the men would be removed to the Tlmi)ics where a guard 
would be stationed, that he would have the cabins prepared for us, that 
if we choose to accept them it would be a place of safety where the 
guard would protect us. He feared that the Indians in a drunken rage 
at night might enter a publick house and murder us. named an instance 
of an infuriated Indian stepping up behind a man walking with a British 
officer and tomhawking him, advised us not to go out in the streets when 
Indians were walking them unless accompanied by an officer, sd. that if 

'° It will be rtinciiibcrfd that Hull did not receive word that war was declared 
until he was approaching Frenchtown on the evening of July 2. See the story in 
Lossing, Field-Book, p. 258, n. 

'" Lieut. Edward Dewar. 

" Lieut. Thomas Harwis, of the provincial marine. 

" Lifut.-Col. Thomas Bligh St. George, inspector of militia. 



Joiunial of Williain K. Beali 789 

we went on hoard tin.- vessel that \vc would have a parole to go through 
town, that the ^uard would set us on shore whenever we desired it. and 
invited us to his house till accomodations could he prepared at an Inn. 
These and similar representations from others induced us in the even- 
ing to conclude on the Tlnniu's as our abode for the time being. On 
our arrival at the wharf great numbers of Indians had collected to see 
us, some of them laughed and appeared rejoiced at our being taken, 
others frowned on us with the most savage ferocity. Mr. Gooding 
pointed out several who after the battle of Tippecanoe, had held a 
council at \'inccnnes to make Peace. Some of them also knew him. 

At Capt. Duer's we were treated hospitably and politely. His side 
board was covered with wine. Cider, Ice. biscuit etc. As Mr. Gooding 
had ])reviously requested he accompanied u.s to a publick house, after 
politelv expressing his regrets at its being improper to invite us to dine 
with him. I thanked him for his urbanity, and acknowledged the im- 
propriety of such an invitation. Capt. Duer apologised for the indiffer- 
ence of the Inn, sd. it was the best in town, that he would call in the 
evening and know our determination a? to staying on shore and departed. 
Mrs. Duer I think an amiable and intelligent woman. 

We had a tolerable good dinner at Boyles, and leaving the ladies, 
under protection of the Landlord, we, unaccompanied by any officer 
walked down the street through crowds of frowning Indians; yet every 
white man bowed to us politely. On passing the house of a gentleman 
who had introduced himself to me soon after we got to Boyles he in- 
vited us into his house, where we drank several glasses of wine and were 
introduced to several gentlemen among whom was Capt. Elliot a Militia 
officer who appeared friendly and polite." Capt. Elliot was born in 
Maryland of American parents and was a Lieut, in Adams's Army. 
When disbanded, (like many others) he was displeased with the govern- 
ment, and emigrated to this place where he married and pursued the 
practice of law. His connections in the U. S. are extensive; he has a 
brother a Capt. in the new levied Army, another in the Navy and is 
related to Capt. Hughes of the Peace establishment. He appears to be a 
loyal subject, and thinks the american government treated him un- 
generously, in disbanding him who had done duty for several years on 
Frontier posts against the Indians, instead of those who had scarcely 
done garrison duty, and left him and several others to make their way 
through a wilderness where they had no provisions. A man who re- 
nounces his allegiance to his native Country ought to be cautiously 
trusted by that government in which he becomes a Citizen. The love of 
country is inherent in our natures and cannot be erradicated by an oath. 
Though the government may be despised by us, yet the wronged people 
and the Country will still remain dear to us. 

Capt. Duer and Capt. Rollet returned in the evening, and finding we 
had concluded [to remain] on the Thames, accompanied us to the Boat. 

Before we left the Packet the muskets were all taken out, our swords 
were delivered to Capt. Rollet and with mine, (I very reluctantly though 
not seemingly so) gave up a very elegan[t], gilt cased stiletto. 

'"Cap. William Elliot of the Essex militia. He had been appointed a first 
lieutenant in the Ninth U. S. Infantry in 1799. honorably discharged in 1800, 
appointed a second lieutenant in the Second U. S. Infantry in 1801, and again 
honorably discharged in 1802. 



790 Documents 

We have been allowed our own baggage and eatables, and I hope 
that even in the event of a war, that the officers will be restored to them. 
The men have all their clothes etc. given to them, and are indulged with 
the use of the Deck. They have been visited by a Surgeon and receive 
good rations of Bread, Porks, peas, rice, and twice a week fresh beef. 
The british soldiers are not allowed rations of whiskey, and I think it 
would be policy in our government to give their troops a ration of beens 
or peas instead of whiskey. 

Capt. Sharp puts up at Boyles's as he is too ill to be confined in the 
Cabin where there is but little fresh air. The Military are very busy. 
The River is so strongly guarde[d] both night and day above and below% 
that it is impossible for a vessel of ours to pass. We see men of all 
ages and sizes in the militia who are all in service. People difter about 
the number of Indians here, some say 2000 warriors, others that number 
of men, women and children, and down to 500 which I think most 
pro[ba]bly correct. 

Capt. Duer who has seen service, says that war is by no means 
desirable even to the soldier, and says he will be sorry if the U. S. and 
Great. B. are unable to adjust their differences without war, all who 
have spoken to me on that subject both military and civil, express the 
same pacific sentiments, and I am confident they would prefer peace, 
and friendship between the inhabitants of the two nations. Individuals 
of two nations may have a friendship for each other, but Nat'xonal 
friendship never e.xisted. Interest is the basis of all their connections, 
and so long as any nation's glory and resources are aided and advanced 
by another, so long, and no longer, will they be in amity. However the 
present war if it is declared, cannot advance the interests of either 
power. The safety of one nation prevents a compliance with all the 
demands made by the other. But as I ought not to dabble at present in 
politicks I order a halt. 

On the 3rd July Airs. Bacon and Mrs. Fuller furnished by Col. St. 
George with a passport to Sandwich with instructions to Col. Baby" to 
have them set across to Detroit by a Flag. They went in a Calash and 
hired a cart to take theirs and their husbands baggage, the two boys, and 
one of the women. Walked through town, and was amused in contrast- 
ing the signs with those in our Country. Instead of Washington, Green 
and others might be seen George 3, the Lion, the Crown, the Kings 
Bake house etc. etc. Dined at Boyles at the sign of the harp of Erin. 
Clear and warm day. 

July ^tli. ( )n shore in the forenoon. Eat a good dinner on board 
the Thames, and drank several glasses of good M[a]deira. Heard the 
cannon fired at Detroit in celebration of that day. Hot and clear day. 
Arrived two hundred Indian warriors from the Sock*' Nation. They are 
generally the largest and best formed men I ever saw, but as savage and 
uncultivated in their appearance as any of the aboriginals of North 
America. 

July f,th. .\rrived the Oitccn Charlotte a beautiful ves.scl commanded 

* Probably Col. Francis Bal)y, of Sandwich, now Windsor, Ontario. His 
hou.sc, near Sandwich, became Hull's headquarters after the passage of the river 
on July 12. Hatch. A Cliaplcr in the History of the War of 1812 (Cincinnati, 
1872), pp. 28-29. 

»• Sauk. 



Jour7ial of Williani K. Bcall 791 

by Capt. Hall Commodore of Lake Erie;" and who, if I may judge from 
fe[a]tures and his eyes is not only a brave but a humane man. Heard 
the Revellei of our army at Day Break. They must have encamped at 
or near Brownstown. Dined on board, went on shore in the evening. 
An alarm. Women and children ran crying and crowding to the vessels, 
where people were depositing trunks of their most valuable property. 
Indians running shouting through the streets. The Cry of to arms 
resounded, and the greatest consternation and dismay seemed to pre- 
vail. I cannot picture myself [my sentiments?]. They were not 
ent[i]rely of a melancholy Cast, though I [felt] sensibly for those on 
both sides who might loose their lives. I anticipated it as a period to my 
captivity, for I trusted if our troops had crossed that I should be 
retaken! Very natural. Wishing to be in a place of safety from the 
Indians, the Officer of the Day and Boyle, attended us to the Thames. 
Hot and clear. The uproar was occasioned by the Detroit Artillery 
firing a National Salute of 17 guns to Genl. Hull and the .Army. All 
quiet again. 

Moiidav July 6th. 1812. Col. Cass, and Capt. Hickman son in law to 
Genl. Hull and Capt. in the 17th U. S. Infantry arrived at Maiden with a 
Flag of Truce, (accompanied by Mr. Patterson in a calash) blindfolded. 
We were invited to Searly Tavern, Col. St. George's quarters to see 
them. Col. Cass appeared very glad to see us, smiled, appeared Cheer- 
ful, yet simpathised in our Misfortune. Capt. Hickman when introduced 
to us by Col. Cass, shook us by the hands as feelingly and cordially as 
if we were his bosom friends. Lt. Pickham of the 4th Regt. who had 
followed with a Flag to report himself to Col. Cass about his baggage 
which was taken passed them (they having stopped on the way) and 
arriving before them was arrested. He did not succeed in his errand. 
Being released by Col. Cass's influence, he entered the room, but ap- 
peared alarmed and backward — appeared as if he knew not whether he 
dare shake hands with us and appeared distant from some cause which 
we neither knew or cared for. It appears as if the Officers at Fort 
Maiden had no positive and certain information that war was declared, 
until Col. Cass came down. He said Genl. Hull reed, it by express the 
evening after we left him, and that the Genl.' said he gave Capt. Chapin 
Positive orders not to sail by Maiden, which Capt. C. has as positively 
denied. Col. Cass's business down we know not. But it now appears 
that we are certainly prisoners of War. As it was late Col. Cass staid 
all night to give us an opportunity of writing to our friends and we re- 
turned to the vessel about dark. 

I received the following letter from Genl. Taylor which when handed 
to Col. St. George unsealed he was so polite as to give it me without 
opening it."^ 

After Paving the men I wrote to Genl. Taylor and Melinda, of which 
the following are Copies. 

" Capt. George B. Hall, just appointed, was in charge of t'le marine depart- 
ment of the lake till the arrival of Barclay. The Queen Charlotte, of 400 tons, 20 
guns, was afterward taken by Perry, as were likewise the Hunter, the Lady Pre- 
vost, and the Detroit. 

^ The letter is not inserted in the journal. 



792 Dociunejits 

On Board the Schooner Thames, 
Tulv 6th, 1812. 
Dr. Sir, 

By Col. Cass I had the honor to receive your favour of this morning 
together with my appointment and Two Hundred Dollars. I shall 
forward you duplicate rect. Rolls for the payment of the men amount- 
ing to $82.00 but as it was nearly night when I received your letter, as 
Col. Cass will return very early in the morning, and as Capt. Sharp puts 
up at a publick house in Town on account of his illness, I shall not be 
able to send you his pay and subsistence accounts at present. I shall 
have all your vouchers which arc in my possession ready to send by Col. 
Cass, and from what Col. St. George intimated this evening I think I 
shall be permitted to send them. .At present there is no possibility of 
getting the private property returned. We have been allowed our own. 
Please to instruct your agent at Newport to let Mrs. Beall have what 
money she may want. I inclose you Fifteen Dollars in Cincinnati Bills 
useless to me here. 

So far we have been treated with politeness and have met with every 
indulgence we could require. The sick are visited by the physicians and 
some are mending. I enjoy a flow of good spirits which I would have 
thought impossible in my present situation, and better health than I did 
on the march. It is now near day, and I have been engaged in writing 
home and paying the Prisoners all night. I must request yours or Majr. 
Berrys"* attention to forwarding my letter to Mrs. Beall, and accept my 
thanks for your intended endeavours to render her time as cheerful and 
pleasant as possible during my captivity. Remember me to Friends. 
With every sentiment of regard 

I have the honor to be 

Very respectfully 
Your obdt. Humble Servt., 

W. K. Rf.all, .\sst. Q. Mr. 

North Western Army." 
Genl. Tas. Tavlor Q. M. Genl. 
N. W. Ari^iy 
Detroit 

Tuesday July jth. Up all last night. Col. Cass called about sun rise, 
and received mv letters, Genl. Tavlor's vouchers after thev were exam- 
ined by Capt. Barwis. I sent Genl. Taylor $15. in Miami Rank Rills, 
which were useless to me in Canada. Col. Cass bid us adieu with an 
expressive Uiok and said he would not forget us. They returned by 
water accompanied by Capt. Barwis. who has treated us very politely 
yet jud[g]ing him by the same criterion I did Capt. Hull, viz his phisyo- 
gnomy, though he is not unlikely man. I should pronounce him brave 
but tyrannical and inhuman to such as he controuls and dislike. This 
a mere fancy in which I trust [I] am mistaken. We are much indebted 
to the urbanity and hospitality of all the officers we have become ac- 
quainted with. Walked on shore. In the evening Commodore Hall and 
capt. Rollet requested our attendance on Board the Packet of Cuyahoga, 

^ .-K neighbor in Newport, Kentucky. 

* .\ long letter to the writer's wife, couched in the sentimental style of the 
day hut conveying no additional information to that which is in tlie journal, is 
here omitted. 



Journal of William K. Bcall 793 

where several officers were. We were permitted to take our affairs out 
that remained in the schooner, and they appeared desirious that all 
Private baggage should be sent to their owners at Detroit, but they 
feared it crndd not be done with propriety. Some Officers and citizens 
sd. if Genl. Brock knew of the circumstances he would order it all given 
up, and us paroled. The stores, Publick and Private, were all numbered, 
inventoried and stowed away in the Kings ware house. The baggage 
being wet from the leakage of the vessel. Mr. Gooding took that of 4th 
Regt"! on board the Thames to have it dried. The officers in opening and 
exaiiiining the baggage behaved with great delicacy and propriety. 

iredncsdax j'ldy \stli Warm and clear day. On shore for a few 
hours. About 100 Indians collected on the wharf and had a long 
war dance. Sailors of the Oitccu Charlotte gave them three cheers from 
her rigging, beat their drums and fifes and fired several cannon. They 
were socks'" and were much pleased with the report of Cannon. I was 
gratified having never before seen a War dance. They generally take a 
route through town and dance before peoples doors for which they 
leceive presents whisky etc.. as in die L. S. 

I have seen the great Tecumseh. He is a very plane man, rather 
above middle size, stout built, a noble set of features and an admirable 
eye. He is always accompanied by Six great chiefs, who never go 
before him. The' women and men all fear that in the event of Genl. 
Hull's crossing and proving successfull, that the Indians being naturally 
treacherous will turn against them to murder and destroy. Genl. Hull 
will not receive their service, I think, and if he did he would not suffer 
them to wrong anyone. Mr. Gooding was on shore this evening and 
says that Capt. Duer informed him that this morning on Exam[en]ing 
Genl. Hull's trunk he found in it a declaration of War, enclosed to Genl. 
H. by the Secretary of War. Is it possible ! ! ! Mr. Gooding says he 
read'the declaration ! !'' — The schooner Nancy a merchant vessel owned 
by Mr. IMcIntosh is a beautiful and swift sailing vessel. Solomon, 
Miami, Dolson, Dover, Mcintosh, Thames. 

Thursday July pth. On shore for a while as usual. Rain afternoon. 
Very warm and clear afterwards. Capt. Duer told me what Mr. Good- 
ing last nigtit stated, and observed that Genl. Hull got the declaration by 
an express that reached him at the foot of the Rapids. True an express 
did reach the Army there, the evening before we left them."^ Why then 
did Genl. Hull send a sick and unprepared set of men in the face of the 
enemy without giving them even a caution? This is an enigma which 
time only will solve. I trust there is some mistake attending this repre- 
sentation. I must not suspect until I know more. 

Justification. 

Note. Mr. Gooding saw the declaration on the 7th in the evening 
and Capt. Duer made the above statement to me on the 8th. 

» Sauks. 

"See the introduction. The names which follow are apparently of vessels 
owned or seen at Aniherstburg. 

=* If so, it appears not to have been from Washington. 



794 Documents 

Schooner Thames, 

July 9th, 181 2 
Commodore Hall's polite tender of an awning for the Thames is 
accepted and I should be glad to have it on Board as soon as may be 
convenient. 

W'.M. K. Beall. 



Friday July lotli. A clear day and the scorching rays of Phoebus 
not less powerful than usual. The extreme heat of the sun has hitherto 
rendered the deck intolerable, and to be confined to the cabin during the 
day, where not a current of air could reach us, has been very unpleasant. 
Commadore Hall this morning furnished the vessel with an awning 
which has completely remedied this as far as relates to the privates, but 
to us the advantage is only a partial one, the deck being so crowded, 
and it is not pleasant to be seated among and crowded by them, yet as 
American soldiers and fellow prisoners they have my respect and 
sympathy. \\ hile writing the above some hardy tars have been engaged 
in lowering the Thames near a quarter of a mile down stream, above 
the Indian Camp 300 yards. We are quietly anchored under the safe 
keeping and protection of a Sergt. and six of the Militia. On the 7 
Inst. Col. Cass carried favourable accounts to our army of our treat- 
ment. Since that our liberties have been daily curtailed. Never was I 
favored with such unshaken, such exulting fortitude. I never supposed 
that I could have borne so unfortunate an allottment with so much 
resignation. I am prepared for the worst of events. Misfortunes are 
essential to our happiness, they smoothe the rugged path of life, give a 
zest to the enjoyment of blessings when granted us, and prepare us for 
the dreary mansions of the grave. 

What greatly promotes my cheerfulness is the expec[ta]tion of our 
gallant little army shortly relieving us from this melancholy situation. 
We daily anticipate that period with the fondest expectations. How 
fortunate is it for man that happiness depends on the mind instead of 
external circumstances. Though I am a Prisoner on board this vessel, 
my walks on shore formerly limited to an indifferent Inn ^ yds from 
the bank and now perhaps may be denied that priveledge, yet I am as 
happy, yes and sleep more soundly, than His britanic majesty, the Prince 
Regent or any of their Red Allies. I have been anxiously watching the 
setting of the sun, fondly thinking that my Melinda, agreeable to 
promise, is viewing the same object with the same melancholy delight, 
with the same solicitude: and is now reciprocating with fervency and 
truth my indcfllnite feelings and wishes. This will prove a comfort and 
healing balm. That sun which shines on her in the hospitable region of 
Kentucky, will also warm and revive her William in this frozen zone. 
Those vc[r]y beams which shines on her will point to me and gild my 
captive life. Xight begins to spread her pitchy mantle over the bosom 
of the River and my pen must cease. May liea^-cii bless my girl. 

Saturday July lith i8i3. As far as relates to locality, this situation 
is as pleasant as our former one, but in other respects not so much so. 
There we could procure milk, butter, cherries, and many necessaries, at 
a high price, without much ditliculty, here we cannot. There the Thames 
not being anchored below any vessels, we had as pure water to drink as 
the River afforded, here we are compelled to drink water that has 
floated through all the evacuations and filth of the shijjping and wharfs. 



Journal of Willia))i K. Beall 795 

I am told there are no springs in this country and that well water is no 
better than River water. That of the River is clear, healthy and not 
very unpleasantly warm. By filling of Barrels in the evening and keep- 
ing it from the sun in the day, and by adding Ice which can be laid in 
here with great ease and little expense, it would equal any water on the 
Continent. The cause of our removal I know not. I expect they sup- 
posed we saw too much, or conversed wnth the citizens more than they 
wished. I never sought opportunities to converse with them, but as 
much as I could without offending avoided it. They often solicited 
secret interviews which I would not agree to. However they would 
occasionally and slily say " Success to the .\mcricans, and Genl. Hull." 
" Let us alone and we will take Maiden ourselves." etc. and many 
expressions showing their warmth for us and the Americans and their 
detestation of the British. Many of our Militia guard express a dis- 
position to be with Genl. Hull as soon as he crosses ! 

The lakes and Rivers here are not subjected to floods or even the 
smallest rises after hard rains. They are not navigable more than three 
and at the most four months in the year, owing to their being closed up 
with Ice. 

Last night the Officer of the day came on board, told us we were no 
longer permitted to go into town, that our walks were limited to a few 
yards on beach in front of the vessel, and that officers at 9 o'clock in 
future would go below deck and there continue during the night. Such 
were the orders of Col. St. George, and thus have our liberties been 
gradually curtailed. I have not yet felt a fear on account of the Indians, 
yet if there was danger to apprehend from them in town, must there 
not be much more here; anchored as close to shore as 12 or 15 yards, 
and out of the reach of the protection of any vessel. Are we indebted 
to Col. St. George for the granting of indulgencies which he supposed 
through fear of the Indians we would not accept, and when he found 
that tomahawks, scalping knives and frowning Indians whom he refused 
to protect us from, did not deter us from going on shore we were 
removed and confined to more narrow and dangerous limits, for the 
Indians frequently ridicul[e] and severely threaten us in passing by. 
I went on shore to day purposely to shew them by walking among them 
(as they went to and returned from town) that I did not fear them. 
I have not yet requested any indulgencies, and shall in future make as 
little use of such as are allowed me as possible. My tongue has never 
been used to plead for favor, and never will I honore these detainers or 
takers with humble suit. Xo rather should my head stoop to the Block 
or dance upon a bloody pole, than stand uncovered and meekly ask 
them for a kindness. I hope I am exempt from fear, and I am confident 
that I am able to bear more than they dare execute. 

July I2th Sunday. 
In busy life mischances store. 

On every mortal man await, 
Imprisoned thus, methinks I soar, 

Above the reach of envious fate. 

Another alarm. Heard that our troops were crossing to Sandwich, 
that the inhabitants were leaving the town and that all the militia and 
troops of the British were withdrawn from there last night. Great noise 
in town all night. Carts loaded going down the beach. 



796 Donunents 

Still flow thy streams thou unrelenting tide 
A finished picture of the smiles of fate 

Still shall thy foaming flood convulsive glide 
A faithful mirror of my wretched state. 

Like yonder dancing wave I once could move 
Free, uncontrouled and sing on any theme, 

But. one short moment flies, and lo, I rove 
A weary prisoner on the watery scene. 

My lass was fair, Oh how surpassing fair, 
I saw I praised I loved the maid divine 

Lo fortune smiled deceitful on my prayer 

And Hvmen owned the matchless virein mine. 



' fe' 



Eager she'll look and long for my return 

To taste with rapture the connubial kiss 
And though with like Impatience I burn. 

This prison ship still marrs my wish'd for bliss. 

Thus here I still my wretched fate resound, 

Witness ye troubled waves I still am true ! 
Thus here I cast my longing eyes around, 

And to Mv fair one bid a long adieu. 

Monday July ijfh. On board all day yesterday and to day. Cool 
weather. At 6 oclock P. ^L the Lady Provost, mounting 14 guns 
launched to be rigged as a schooner and commanded by Capt. Barwis. 
Silence prevailed among them all. 

From Com. Hall and Capt. Duer we have received the most gentle- 
manly politeness, the most friendly and hospitable attention and offers, 
not mere complimentary civilities but a politeness accompanied with 
a desire to make us comfortable and happy. Such conduct always springs 
from an honest social and benevolent heart, from a mind too magnana- 
mous to be cruel. Capt. Rollct also has been attentive and polite, but 
they are all restrained I am confident by Col. St. George. 

The sick since the yth Inst, have been very badly attended to. The 
surgeon is old feeble and indolent, and Col. St. George not caring whether 
they die or live will not make him do his duty. 

A beautiful and engaging landscape exhibiting a true and impartail 
view of the liberties and indulgencies granted and extended to us bv the 
Commanding officer at Maiden from the 2n day of July. 

July 2nd. Requested not to consider ourselves as prisoners of war, 
to walk and amuse ourselves any where in town and to board in town 
on parole. (Note. See the conditions page — on which this was granted 
us.) On board a vessel through the deck of which the water runs in 
streams when it rains. 

Jtdy jird. Requested not to go to the batteries of the Fort. — Note. 
Col. Cass left Fort Maiden on the morning of the 7th with accounts of 
our good treatment. Xow mark the difference. 

July jth. Ordered not to go nearer the Fort than Boyles. Permis- 
sion to go through town below. 

Jul\' Sill. Limited to Bovles House. 



Joiu'ual of William K. Beall 797 

July 9th. Lt. Dent seeing several boats manned and armed and 
putting out, asked what it was for? For which piece of impertinence, 
the officer to which he directed this innocent yet improper enquiry, 
requested him to go to Boylcs or on Board the Thivnes. 

July loth. Orders not to go into town again, but to walk a few yds 
up and" down stream in front of the vessel, and that all would go below 
deck at Tattoo and there remain during the night. 

July II. Orders to speak to no one on shore. 

July 12. to hail no one passing. 

July IS- Not to go on shore again. 

Our officers of the day have all been Militia. Some are clever and 
friendly: Some unable to call the Roll of Prisoners because they could 
not read. 

There are not any water Mills in this part of Canada, but several 
wind Mills, one on the River below town. This place would be a prof- 
itable one for a good steam mill. There are several water Mills on the 
Rivers Thames and French above here, the nearest of which is Sixty 
Miles distant from Maiden. This evening the order not to go on shore 
countermanded. 

Tuesday July 14th. Any person emigrating to this province, has if 
he wishes 200 acres of land granted or given to him and his heirs in fee 
simple by the King, provided he takes the oath of allegiance. The 
Taxes are by no means oppressive. They are not so heavy as they are in 
the U States. Capt :Martin the Owner of this vessel, who owns several 
others, has a fine farm 300 acres of first rate land, large stock etc. told 
me he paid last year only one Dollar and 6>^ cents tax. The present 
year the same, but it was collected two weeks after it was assessed. The 
inhabitants are taxed sufficient to pay the salaries only of such as^ are 
by them elected and put into office; such as the assembly, justices of the 
peace who are constituted by the Assembly, and some judiciary officers 
etc. But all the Chief Justices, governors, the naval and military depart- 
ment, half pay officers, Indian agents and all who receive their appoint- 
ment by the King are paid from England. People dare not speak dis- 
respectfully of the King, the government and its officers. Nor dare 
they say the King is dead for 12 months after his decease. The people 
have every chance to live well here in time of Peace. The land is fertile 
and markets good; but in war it is different. Old and young are all 
pressed into the Militia and their farms, grain etc. is going to destruc- 
tion for want of attendance and reaping. 

The British have treated their provinces well to induce people to 
settle in them, but as soon as they become populous and wealthy they 
would then oppress them with burdensome taxes. On board — 

Jiil\ 13. Wednesday. Notwithstanding the many advantages this 
countrv has possessed, the Canadian French are miserably poor. I am 
told tliey are very lazy and starve half the year. They appear to be 
peripatetic philosophers who tax providence with a livelihood, and like 
Diogines enjoy a free and unincumbered estate in sun shine. They 
look less military than any men I ever saw— small and ugly as the 
Devil. They arc' usually dressed in garments suitable to their fortune ; 
being curiously fringed and fangled with the hand of time, and are 
helmeted with old fragments of hats which have acquired the forms of 
sugar loaves, and so far do they carry their contempt for the adventi- 
tious destinction of dress, that some appear like Indians, and I have seen 



798 Documents 

many, the remnant of whose shirts, but partially covered their tawny 
backs, and dangled like a pocket-handkercheif out of breeches which 
were never washed but by the bountiful showers of heaven. 

Thursday i6th. July. Xot on shore yesterday nor to day. Xo offi- 
cers except those on duty have visited us since we were removed. Capt. 
Brown of the 4th U. S. Infy came to Fort Maiden with a flag of Truce 
but did not see any of us. Capt. Brown brought letters from Genl. 
Taylor and Majr. Berry, which Capt. Duer sent me at night and stated 
that he was going up with a flag in the morning and would convey me 
answers. 

[Blatik pages for letters which were never inserted. '\ 
From Genl. Taylor's letter he expected Capt. Brown would see me. 
To abuse still more the power which the British have over our bodies, 
they have taken a Boy who was a sailor on board the Thames and who 
procured us all the necessaries we have had, and confined him on shore; 
so that I expect we must now eat John Bull's pork and Bread or starve. 
What our next treatment will be I can only anticipate. We have every 
reason to look for much worse, and I hope I shall bear it with becoming 
fortitude. 

" All places that the eye of Heaven visits 
Are to the wise man ports and happy havens." 

Shaks. 

This is a most happy and conciliatory sentiment, worthy of a place 
in every breast; a fine shield against discontent, and a most excellent 
balm for minds under adverse circumstances. Answered Genl. Taylor's 
letters and have them ready to send. Unable to see the Commanding 
officer or know anything about his Papers mentioned in his letter as 
being in his trunk. From Genl. T's letter our army are at Sandwich,^ 
and I hope shortly to see them at Maiden. We shall take the guards' 
arms away, and meet them at the Fort to share the glory. We could now 
confine our guard, but the river and shores are so closely guarded that 
we could not escape. 

Rain poured through the deck into the cabin which is very unpleasant 
in all weathers. We are confined by special order to the vessel and not 
allowed to go on shore, which was useless as I have not been on shore 
for some time, nor intended doing so till I could do it on more liberal 
and officer like terms. 

Friday July ijth. Up all night preparing papers and letters to Genl. 
Taylor, Berry, and my beloved Melinda. But Capt. Duer has not called. 
Meard that our troops encamped last night within six miles of town. 
Most glorious news. W'c hear many unfounded reports yet I think this 
very probable, for women and carts of property were passing down the 
road without much intermission all night. Xo Indians seen going to 
town this morning except squaws. A squaw sd. to be in the keeping of 
a surgeon frequently passes us. She is handsome, and dressed in Indian 
Style, but as richly and as magnificently as an empress. Heard the war 
hoop and yells of the Indians all night. About 5 or 6 oclock this even- 
ing a number of Indians armed as if returning from an expedition, 
passed the vessel, one [of] whom sd. that a Yankee had gone home. 
They fired off all their guns above and below the vessel but not so as to 
touch it. Shortly after, Col. McKee an .\mcrican by birth," at the head 

'"Hull h.id crossed over to Sandwich on July u. 

" -Apparently Capt. Thomas M-cKee, superintendent of the Indian Department 
of Upper Canada. 



Journal of M'illiaui K. Beall 799 

of about fifty naked Indians, himself dressed in aborig'nial style, halted 
opposite to us, and hoisting a fresh scalp, stretched on a bough and 
fastened on a long small pole, shook it at us with the most savage 
acclamations of exulting joy. It is impossible to describe my feelings on 
beholding the bloody scalp of a brother soldier, or to refrain from 
execrating such ungenerous conduct. Regardless of life I abused Col. 
McKee as long as he remained, (and a number of officers who had 
come up; when he had gone.) I vented all the rage created by my 
wounded feelings on them for suft'cring it, and foolishly abused the 
King and all the officers of the British government indiscriminately 
One of them cried out " Worse than treason ", and walked off saying he 
would report me to Col. St. George. I replied that I was prepared to 
undergoe any punisliment they dare inflict, or that their tyranny might 
suggest. 

It was a sight calculated to arouse the most indignant feelings, which 
would have chilled the frigid blood of a Laplander, which would have 
crimsoned the tawny cheek of an unrelenting Turk; and which I suppose 
would have awakened even in the unfeeling bosoms of the most fero- 
cious savages, sentiments of horror, resentment and disgust. 

The greatest virtue of a soldier is to diffuse happiness to his prisoners 
and if possible to make them comfortable : but it appears as if Col. St. 
George and others here endeavour to multiply misery. It is the char- 
acter of none but the father of iniquity and those who obey him to 
rejoice at the distress their inhumanity occasions. They should recollect 
that evervone can feel the thrill of pleasure and the pangs of pain; and 
they ought, therefore upon principles not only of speculative philosophy, 
but of common humanity, to avoid the infliction of every [un]necessary 
disaster. There is nothing which shews so much dastardy of spirit as 
taking a diabolic satisfaction in the oppression of weakness: in directing 
barbarity and insults against those who have not the power to redress 
themselves, and who are compell'd resignedly to bear their cruelty and 
insults. All are willing to pronounce aloud the baseness of the wretch, 
who would abuse the old for the mere exercise of his strength: and 
kindle into rage at the injuries they receive themselves: and yet many 
of them are far from " doing unto others as they would have others do 
unto them." What is the man who in the pride of power, insults and 
oppresses such as have neither the power to conquer or resist him? A 
stain to the name of a soldier, a disgrace to manhood and a blush to 
humanity. Such a man is Col. St. George, who would behold the last 
gasp or groan bursting from an expiring and defenceless being, without 
the discomposure of a feature or a muscle. 

With what different pleasure is the tender heart affected, and how 
dift'erently does the amiable the noble soldier conduct himself. Judging 
others by himself he knows they are not insensible to pain or insult. 
Rained hard, our the cabin flooded as usual. 

Satnrdav July i8th. The sick are badly attended to. Doctor Davis's 
fault no doubt. The officer of the day to whom we have complained of 
the Doctor's inattention, and who reports him to Col. St. George, says 
that he believes that the Col. tells the Dr. pul)lickly to visit them often, 
and privately orders him not. 

Capt. Duer has been friendly in sending us vegetables, and Col. 
Caldwell has sent us mutton, fruit, milk etc. frequently. Rain. Pleasant. 
Sunday July ipth. An alarm— Cold day— Slight rains. 



8oo Docimients 

I have been uinvell for several day and took medicine but my illness 
increases. 1 have high fevers etc. Some Indians after dark passing the 
vessel fired on it, several balls struck the Rigging, and one passed close 
by my left ear. We are all kept below after Tattoo, and are not per- 
mitted at any time to go up the shrouds of the vessel. 

The French Horn is winded here for Tattoo. Its sounds are melan- 
choly and more pleasing than the most sublime music; and what 
renders its sounds still more agreeable is that it brings forth and 
notifies me of a period when rolled in my blanket I enjoy a shore respite 
from the cares of the day. 

In my sleep the air drawn figure of my Melinda often rises to my 
view; beauteous as an angel, gentle as the spring, smiling on me with 
enchanting tenderness and ycalding to my fond embrace. In dreams, 
with rapturous fondness, I have pressed her to my bosom, felt her soft 
touch, heard the sweet accents of her voice, and gazed upon her lovely 
countenance till every sense was lost in extacy and love. 

An Original Fragment. 

In the wilds of Canada and on the margin of Lake Erie, where bend- 
ing willows formed a rude alcove, Edwin the friend of misery and Love, 
stood pensively leaning on a rugged rock and thus expressed himself 
'■ O my Ellen, when I reflect on the distance I am from you and the 
improbability of my return, I am lost in an overwhelming sea of misery. 
Your cruel and unmerited misfortunes called up the tenderest emotions 
of my heart, and strengthened my wishes to become [the] enviable 
partner of your griefs and joys. My wished were gratified and but a 
few short days of joy rolled over our heads, when, events compelled a 
short as we then thought, but I fear a long separ[a]tion. 

But ne'er shall absence, time or pride, 
L^Tiloose the knot that love has tied ! 
Xo ! let the Eagle change his plume, 
The leaf its hue, the flower its bloom, 
But ties around this heart are spun, 
Which cannot, will not, be undone. 

Monday July 20. Capt. Rarwis came this morning and toweil the 
Thames up to the lower end of the Dock yd. a place of more safety from 
Indians. How[ev]er two of them stopped this evening, came as near as 
they could and taking rest behind a pile of stone fired at us, but were 
rather far to shoot with accuracy, their guns firing like shot guns and 
not much better. An Indian passed us last night and shaking an 
American musket [at] us sd. Chomokoman. He had his own on his 
shoulder. Capt. Barwis say[s] the troops have a skirmish each day and 
that 500 Americans troops were [with] in 2 miles of Maiden yesterday." 
He says several of our troops are killed and one british regular killed 
and another wounded and taken. 

Tuesday July 21st. Soon after I was taken, I conversed with a man 
named Hazlet, who says he aided the Indians at the Rattle of the Blue 
Licks (by order of the British) where so many brave Kentuckians were 
decoyed and butchered. He says that 600 Indians were there and that 
the whites killed many and fought uncommonly brave and resolute, and 
that they at one time drove the Indians. He says that the British em- 

" On the occasion of Mc.^rthur's skirmish at the Riviere anx Canards. 



Journal oj JVillia7u K. Bcall 8oi 

ployed many others in the IiKhan wars and have since given them 
officer's or Captain's half pay. He missed his half pay by not applying, 
but now draws full pay and commands a company of Indians. 1 am 
told he frequently boasts of the men and women he has scalped and how 
he has taken children by the heels and knocked their brains out against 
trees. Capt. Sharp who was ill at Boyles, wanted some beer, Hazlet had 
been very attentive and friendly to him, and offered to get it. Capt. 
Sharp gave him a dollar to do so, but was never afterwards visited by 
him. People here say that Simon Girty was beneficial to Americans 
prisoners during the Indian wars; that he often gave all he had to get 
them their liberty and frequently risked his life to save them from the 
Indians inhuman tortures, and that there are many Americans in Canada 
to attest the truth of it. Rained through deck so as to keep us up nearly 
all last night. 1 grow very impatient for the arrival of our army. Each 
day I sit on deck and look out for signs of their approach. And when 
an alarm occurs which is frequently the case, I am not a little rejoiced. 
Capt. Hazlet was passing the Thames and I asked him if — [unfinishcd'\ 

The officer liiianuscript torn] carried the above returned with a 
polite invitation to go to Capt. Duers and wijih permission to make the 
examination. I could not find the chest in the King's ware house but I 
found the portmanteau. Not a paper or letter was in it, and the clothes 
being wet and damaged I took it on board to have them washed and 
dried. Capt. Duer had taken all the papers out of the trunk and after 
having examined them had thrown them promiscuously into a large 
Trunk. He requested me to call tomorrow and examine them for Genl. 
Taylor's papers, but sd. he knew nothing of the Trunk. He sd. that 
some trunks on opening them in the Packet being wet and there appear- 
ing to be nothing of much value in them were thrown overboard, and he 
thought Genl. Taylor's was one of them. I recollect that when the 
trunks were opened and removed, that Capt. D. observed when they 
came to Genl. Taylor's and Genl. Hull's that as he expected they con- 
tained papers relating to his department, that he would take them un- 
opened to his office and examine them.^" Rained Hard. Cabin very wet. 
Cold. 

The officer of the day stated to us that a sick private wanted some 
articles belonging to him, and Col. St. George sd. that if we would state 
that they were his he should have them. 

July 22nd. 1812. The American officers on board the Thames are of 
the opinion that the box of tongues and a spider applied for by Henry 
Waring belong to him, no such articles being put specially under our 
care. Wm. K. Be.vll Asst. Qr. M Gl. 

N. W. army. 

Col. St. George. 



' b^ 



Thursday 2;rd July. \'ery Cold. As Capt. Duer yesterday requested 
I went to his house and examined all the papers for Genl. Taylor's but 

^ St. George writes to Hull, July 16, " With respect to the papers taken in the 
Schooner, they have upon examination, almost without exception, proved to be 
public documents, the few of a private nature that may be amongst them, it would 
cause considerable trouble to select, more indeed than the officer whom I have 
entrusted with the examination can at present spare." Michigan Pioneer and His- 
torical Collections, XX\'. 319. But see the next day's entries. 



8o2 Donunents 

could not find them. Sought again for his trunk unsuccessfully. I saw 
it in the Packet and suggested that it was left in the Packet. Capt, 
Duer says not. It is sunk and we cannot look. Capt. Duer said I might 
take out any private papers and commissions belonging to officers and 
keep them from them. I took them out but being too lumbersome to put 
in my trunk I put them up in a Box, which Capt. D. sealed and said he 
would send by the first flag to Sandwich. I took out such as belonged to 
Captains Cook, Brown, Snelling, Burton, and Baine Deed. Lieuts. 
Peters, Peckham, Hawkins and Hill deed, and many others. I think 
they will get them as Capt. Duer has pledged himself to send them. 

Fort Maiden is very weak. When we arrived there were about 5 or 
700 Indians most of whom as soon as they got their presents and arms 
fearing the superior force of the Americans went off, leaving about 300. 
There were not more than 250 or 300 Militia one half of whom have 
deserted and they have not more more than 100 Regulars, making a force 
in all of not more than 600 in all. They have been unable to relieve our 
guard frequently for 48 hours and sometimes more. Col. St. George has 
been obliged to leave off repairing the Fort for want of men. Fronting 
the River and the road leading to the River Conor, there are 5 or 6 
decayed batteries mounting each a 4 or 6 pounder. At other places there 
are no pickets, and the Fort is only surrounded by a small entrenchment 
4 feet deep and 4 feet wide, and the clay that was dug out of it is thrown 
up on the inside of it. At one leap I could get into the fort." Cold day. 

Friday 26th July. Went on shore to make further examination for 
Genl. Taylor's papers but was unsuccessful. Xot permitted to go 
through town. Returned in half an hour. Capt. Duer says our militia 
will not fight. That 300 were routed by 30 Indians when they could have 
surrounded them. That a large party was defeated at the Bridge,'* that 
they dropped about 30 muskets and knapsacks and that if the British had 
pursued them they could have taken a field piece and ammunition wagon. 
He showed me a U. S. Rifle which he says a man emptied at him at the 
distance of 30 steps, the ball cut his locks — he charged on the man who 
ran and left his gun. etc. etc. 

The British officers and soldiers begin to laugh at Hull Seeing that 
he sends his men out skirmishing to the bridge and does not take posses- 
sion of it and keep it, or come to Maiden. He is now the object of their 
jest and ridicule instead of being as he was formerly their terror and 
greatest fear. Cold morning. Hard Thunder and some rain. 

Saturday 2^th July. Pleasant Day. Heard the dead march beat 
through town. The Officers here justify General [Hull] very warmly 
in sending us by Maiden without letting us know that war was declared. 
They say if he had made it known, some of his men or Indian guides 
would have deserted and informed them of it, that the Indians would 
have defeated him in the black swamp and they would have taken 

" Opinions respecting the strength of the fort differ somewhat in details. 
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, XV. 99, XXV. 323 ; Hull's Trial, p. 
19. There is a map of it, from the Colonial Office Papers in London, in .\fich. 
Hist. Coll., XXV. 235. Richardson, who was an .\mherstlnirg boy, and was at this 
time attached to the 4:st regiment, says, " The fort of .\mherstburg could not have 
sustained a siege of any duration. Quadrangular in its form, four bastions alone 
flanked a dry ditch, offering little obstacle to a determined enemy. This passed, 
a single line of picketing, perforated with loop holes for musketry, and supported 
by a slight breast work, remained to be carried." War of l8i3, ed. 1902, p. 20. 

•* Affair at Turkey Creek Bridge, July 25. 



JoiLvnal of Williaui K. Beall 803 

Detroit before he could have reached [it]. They say he was right in 
not telling us to be ready to defend ourselves, because the army would 
have suspected that war was declared and the rumour would have 
reached them. That the Genl. suj)pose(l they did not expect a war and 
that we would go quietly by Maiden. And many other reasons etiually 
futile, and useless to mention. 

Sitiiday JOth July. A luutral Indian, a Wyandot, supposed to be Genl. 
Hull's spy was taken here yesterday and last [night] was put cruelly to 
death bv the Indians. Heard their savage yells when torturing him. 

An Indian in a Canoe late last night came along side, and asked for 
whisky. He had a dead man in his canoe and sd. chomokomon killed 
him, or that he was a dead chomocomon. I expected it was one of our 
fallen heroes and was descending into the canoe to ascertain, but the 
guard compelled me to come back. 

To dav an Indian was buried wiih all the honors of war by a sub- 
altern and 23 Regulars. He was killed in the engagement (they say) 
with Majr. Denny and another was wounded. 

Aliout daylight Col. Proctor arrived in a l)ark canoe with 4 or 5 
Indians and as nia|n]y Canadians to work the Boat. He commands the 
41st Kegt. Infy. A jirivate of Ca])t. dry's Company'" was wounded in 
the leg by one of his fellow soldiers in crossing a creek when Majr. 
Denny was defeated. He is now in the guard house on shore. He 
states that an Indian was killed and s[c]alped by the Americans during 
the skirmish, 'ilie Indians had been ordered not to scalp (for they knew 
they would scalp British soldiers and pass them for Americans) but to 
take care of prisoners and bring them to the I'ort. They accordingly 
took this man and delivered him to the British below the river Conor,"* 
but treated him very roughly, tied him neck and hands, and made him 
march, wounded and bleeding as he was, and beat his back into a jelly 
with their ramrods to make him march faster. They had no sooner 
delivered liini lo the Officers than a squaw came running up, who said the 
yankees had scalped her brother and demanded his which being refused 
she, overlooking all opposition beat him with her fist. I am told that one 
squaw always goes into a battle and fights as a man, and is denominated 
the War Squaw. The Indians, collected to enforce the squaw's wish, 
and the officers hurried him in a cart to the fort where they followed. 
Col. St. George gave them 100 pounds to save the lives of him and a 
man taken by the Crew of the Charlotte. They soon returned in a fresh 
rage, rushed into the guard room armed, offered back the purchase and 
demanded the Prisoners to torture. It was at the risk of Capt. Duer's 
life so says the man that he saved his and his fellow prisoners. He had 
the Indians enticed out with whisky, and kept removing them from one 
room to another, till he go[t] them secretly after night brought to the 
prison where they now are and the Indians know not where they are. 
He is badly wounded but feels pretty well considering. 

We drank after night many toasts of which the following are a part. 
[Not given.'] 

Monday Jnl\ 2jth. Pleasant day. Another Indian honored with a 
military burial. .\ private of Col. Mc.Arthur's Regt. put on board the 
Thames this evening who states that he left the .\rmy on Saturday 
evening under Majr. Denny, that he stop'd in the night and being unable. 

^ Capt. Henry L'lcry of the Second Ohio. 
^ Riviere aux Canards. 

AM. HIST. REV., VOL. XVU.— $2. 



8o4 Documents 

to overtake the troops got lost. He states that he was chased and fired 
on by a number of Indians about day light, and happening to run to the 
River Detroit he saw a boat landing from the Queen Charlotte to learn 
the cause of the firing. Me ran to the boat for protection from the 
Indians was taken Prisoner and sent to Maiden, where the Indians 
claimed him as their Prisoner. He says the Americans have not lost a 
m[an b]y the enemy and only one wounded except the one now in the 
prison, which proves the great reports of the British about killing, 
wounding and defeating our troops to be false. They report those 
things to encourage the few that remains with [them] to prove 
loyal, and endeavour by many and innumerable false means to prevent 
the desertions of Militia, such as stating that Canada will never be 
resigned by ihe British, that America cannot conquer it. That she will 
waste her means and distress her citizens to support the war, and that 
internal conunoticns will compel her to make peace. That the Canadians 
will be butchered, their houses plundered and lands taken from them by 
the Americans if successful, etc. 

Indeed they depend more upon party divisions and disturbances 
among our people than they do on their own strength. The British 
Oflicers say that nothing is more easy than the conquest of all Canada, 
vet they must and will resist as long as they can in hopes that popular 
clamour will cry down the war. etc. 

I have learnt the cause of our little messengers confinement. Butter 
being scarce at Amherstburgh Capt. Martin permitted him to go to his 
farm about 12 miles al)ove on the River to get some for us. and not- 
withstanding for some days previous the guard examined all that went 
in and out the vessel, he was confined under suspici[on] of having 
carried letters to the .A.rmy at Sandwich for us. I am told he is sick 
and have sent him a dollar. His situation is painful to mc. Me was 
kind and obliging to us but as loyal a subject of John Bull's as ever 
handled rigging. Our landlord Boyle was a deserter from Waynes army, 
and I am sure a true subject; but being friendly to us, was suspeniled 
from being Sergt. Majr. of Militia and eventually put in the ranks. He 
is a Hibernian. Such is their fear and jealousies that they dare not 
trust themselves scarcely, and suspicion is enough to destroy there best 
friends. 

Tuesday 2Sth July. .\ Blank in my Register. 

Wednesday 2(^th July. About seven oclock heard a heavy fire of 
Artillery and musquetry in the tlirection of Browns Town, which lasted 
near an hour and a half. 4 Boats with 25 regulars each went out as a 
reinforcement, and many canoes loaded with Indians. .\i that time 
there could not have been more than 60 men in the Fort. The firing 
caused the Queen to sail down near the Fort. The cause of the firing I 
am told was this. Mr. (ireely surveyor of Mischigan and some others 
from Washington City were endeavouring to pass up to Detroit behind 
the Islands in a boat, and were attacked by one of the British gun Boats 
guarding that pass. They landed and tlefended the Boat from shore, 
assisted l)y two companies of Militia. Xone killed on any side. While 
the whites were contending, the Indian Canoes took the boat a prize. In 
it were found many handsome bot)ts, cloaks, clothing etc. all of which 
the Indians sold for mere tritles. Two Barrels of which they knocked 
the [heads] out of and drank, a Barrel of Rosin and several Barrels of 
I'lour. which they being drunk disputed about the division of. and to 
<|uell the disturbance they rt)lled them into the River. Tiiev took the 



Journal of IViilicvn K. Bcall 805 

deeds of all the people of the Territory of Mischigan. many Private 
valuable Papers, dispatches to Genl. Hull, and up\var<ls of $3000 in 
Bills. So they Say. I have heard of several of Genl. Hull's expresses 
being killed by the Indians and the papers brought in. 

I can scarcely think that Genl. H. will be defeated but appearances 
justify such a belief. I am confident that he will not take Maiden 
though 300 men could do it. Why does he send his troops out recon- 
noitering gradually weakening his Army without any object in view? 
Why does he not by taking Maiden, silence and drive the Indians away 
who' infest the Country and secure a safe conmiunication with the States, 
and safety to our Frontiers? Heaven only knows. I for a Harrison, a 
Daviess or a Wells. 

Thursday July Jo//;. The River Detroit runs a South cours[e] into 
the Lake and as far into the Lake as the sight can extend the eye meet 
with no interruption. The breeze that enters the Cabin Windows blows 
mv candle so that 1 can scarcely see to write. The officers here tell us 
lately that we were fortunate for us that we did not reach Detroit etc. 
When we say not — They reply that we will soon be convinced that our 
situation is better than if we were with Genl. Hull. They say that in a 
few davs they will compel him to leave their shores if he had three times 
the number' of troops that he has, with a confidence that awakens my 
Suspicions. The American troops at Detroit and Sandwich can cer- 
tainlv conciucr this part of the Province, and they formerly said so. They 
get all Geid. Hull's dispatches, know everything that happens in our 
army, and say that Genl. Hull is continually sending for reinforcements, 
and provisions, and writing to the government how deplorably he is 
situated. These statements come from Officers who are at the head of 
Affairs here, and I begin to anticipate with Pain and fear the fate of an 
Army that is brave and large enough to subdue All that part of Canada 
which lies above Niagara. 

The prisoner i)ut on board the other day Says the Army are pre- 
paring to come to Maiden and they expect to be down in five days. 
This has created a hope which I hope will soon be realized. How then 
can I see a man in whose skill I never had confidence, but whose Integ- 
ritv I never doubted till lately. I shall rejoice to find my suspicions 
incorrect. I have not communicated them to any one. 

The vessel we are in is very unpleasant and is increasing by the men 
remaining in it. The cabins are leaky and confined, and at night I 
am compelled to respire the unhealthy and nauseous vapours arising 
not onlv from the decayed and moulded timbers of the vessel, but also 
from the Prisoners in the hold, without anyone to procure necessaries 
from on shore, but some of the guard who are Canadian French whom 
I cannot understand ; and who perform errands reluctantly, often without 
success and but indifferently at best. 

A Heavy Storm is rising. I once enjoyed the blessings of liberty in 
its most comprehensive sense. I am now a Prisoner. I once asso- 
ciated with the most gay. the most hospitable, and enlightened circles 
of society. I am now surrounded by a set of men, whose sympathy is 
not congenial to my own, who know not how to assimilate ideas and feel- 
ings, and from whose eyes one enlivening beam of intelligence was 
never known to emanate. I once as inclination directed could enjoy the 
gaiety and busde of the Town, or the more peaceful and retired pleas- 
ures of the country. This old schooner is now my only habitation. 



8o6 Docutnents 

With my dog and my gun or avocations not less amusing. I once ob- 
tained that exercise which nature imperiously demands. Here I enjov 
neither exercise nor health. When wearied and tired I once had a well 
chosen little library to resort to. But here the scientific and historic 
page was never opened, here the hand of Mortality never pointed to an 
Addison or the facetious Sterne never created a smile. Here the 
finger of taste has never pointed to the beauties of a Goldsmith, the 
sublimity of a Homer, or a Milton, or Sympathy ever clasped a Shen- 

stone to her bosom. The flowers of have bloomed unnoticed and 

unregarded here. The sweet harmony of has never been heard 

to vibrate in these wilds, and the name of is unknown to the. people 

of this illiterate world. J once was among friends and relatives, how 
great is now the reverse. And above all I once clasped to my bosom 
■■ whatever fair high fancy forms or lavish hearts can wish." I once 
reposed on the bosom of love innocence and sympathy, and when any 
cares obtruded themselves I imparted them to that being whom I love 
beyond all expressing, and received relief. What a distance now divides 
us, and barriers there are to prevent our again meeting shortly. See 
what unfortunate revolutions are made in a few short minutes. May 
my Melinda sleep soundly and undisturbed by the storm which is now 
beginning to rage with fury. The lightning and thunder is emble- 
matical of my fate. At one moment all sunshine and prosperity, the 
ne.xt an overwhelming burst of ill fortune reaches me accompanied with 
the most sable darkness. Such Thunder I never heard. The winds are 
high to an extreme. The Schooner Xancy is blown afoul of our vessel, 
the rigging is tangled and fastened together and our prisoners are all 
rising to seperate them. 

Friday July ust. On Board the Lady Provost mounting Ten \2 
pounders and a long Six in the sterne and another in the bow. A port 
hole fore and aft is vacant. 

Early this morning the Provost Marshall came on board the Thames, 
and said he was sorry to inform us that the Commanding oflicer had 
ordered him to notify Mr. Gooding Dent, myself, Capt. Sharp and 
Sloy [ ?] to go on board the Lady Provost which would sail in a few 
hours. We obtained permission to take our Cook Delong with us. 
.\bout II oclock .\. M. the Lady Provost dropped down below the Point 
of the Island, and an ofiicer came alongside the Thames with a Boat, 
received us and our baggage and took us down to the vessel. Just be- 
fore we reached the vessel the officer told us we were going to York, 
the Capital of Upper Canada, where we would have a limited Parole, 
but he [said] he thought it almost certain that we would go on to 
Quebec. Capt. Barwis who commands the Lady Provost also thinks 
Quebec is the place of our destination. The Schooner A'(7;itv Sails 
under convoy of the Lady Proz-ost for Fort Erie, to assist in carrying up 
reinforcements. Capt. Birwis | Barwis] said we would be allowed the 
use of the Quarter Deck during the day. but at sunset we nuist go to 
the hole where he would have us as comfortably fixed as he could, and 
if we wisheil to come on dick iluring the night we must get permission 
of the Sergt. of the guard. He apologised and said he was sorry he 
coulrl not give us Cabin room ihey were so crowded: and said if it 
was in his power his orders were not to do so. and he must obey them. 
By the By, there was only one passenger in the Cabin and his wife. 
He said that he would have a small lumber room cleared where Mrs. 



I 



Journal of 111 Hi am K. Beall 807 

Gooding could sleep. Mrs. Gooding fretted and cried, and after some 
time lie cDndescended very generously to let Mr. (j. sleep with his wife; 
but he must not go to bed to her till 10 oclock and he must send one of 
the guard to let his Excellency know his desire, and he would then give 
orders for the guard to convey him to the Door. Frequent Sfjualls and 
hard rains during the Night. Contrary winds consequently did not sail. 

On Board the Lady Provost. 

Saturday 1st August 1S12. This Schooner is cut for 14 guns, mounts 
5 Xine pound carronnades on each side and a long six in the bow and 
stern. The vessel sailed about sunrise with a brisk and fair gale. Thirty 
miles from iMalden i)assed a number of Islands (sd. to be 30 in a clus- 
ter) on some of which are a great number [of] wild hogs, and almost 
every species of quadruped and game. That part of the Lake lying 
West of the Islands though a very broad and extensive sheet of water 
is usually termed Detroit Bay. At Put In Bay there is a large Island 
and a handsome farm belonging" to a gentleman of Ohio, whose tenant 
resided on it when we passed it. This Bay is formed by several Islands, 
is narrow, deep, and said to be infinitely the best harbour on Lake Erie. 
In times of severe storms the vessels no matter where their destination 
generally endeavour to make this harbour. The Islands are generally 
w^ell timbered, and the soil fertile. On some of thetn are large quanti- 
ties of superior cedar, which is conveyed from them in vessels by the 
British and gentlemen of Canada for stockades and fences. The basis 
of Islands from the ledges of rock which surrounds them appears to 
be stone. We passed two not more than 40 or 50 yds in diameter, 
on wliich were trees and herbage. Several others are so small that was 
their foundation composed of a less solid substance would soon be 
washed away by the waves. Would not this considerably justify an 
opinion that Lake Erie was once land and that it has been sunk by an 
earthquake, or gradually formed by the waters of Lake Superior and 
Huron when forcing their passage into the atlantic ocean? The rocks 
on the south side of those Islands are very much infested with Rattle 
snakes, but not so much so " as to render it dangerous to land." The 
situation of the Islands appears greatly to favour the growth and in- 
crease of serpents, and thev are probablv more numerous here than in 
most parts of Xorth America. 

Between some of the Islands and near the shore in other parts of 
the Lake, the surface of the water is covered with the leaves of the 
pond lily, on which may be seen on warm days great numbers of water 
snakes, but not " Myriads " as Morse expresses it. The hissing snake, a 
small and very poisenous serpent which he describes certainly exists but 
not in great numbers, and the irremediable and fatal decline produced 
by breathing the nausea which it emits on approach is calculated only 
to astonish the credulous. Sounded past the Islands. From 9 to 2,7 
fathoms water. Heaving the lead and log is to me a novelty. The Lady 
Provost is not so fast sailer as the Nancy by one third. 7' i Xots an 
hour. From the Islands steered a north east coast. When I compare 
the rapidity of my progress with the slowness of my returned I am mis- 
erably dejected. For the first time I have been beyond the view of land, 
and for the first time I shall shortly see the sun sink beneath the bosoni 
of the Lake. There is one whose heart is at this moment beating to 
the same fond wishes and impulses of my own, who is sympathising in 



8o8 Documents 

my sorrow, and offering her plaintive Orisons for my health, happiness 
and quick return. And O how fervently do I reciprocate her feelings 
and return her prayers. My pen must no longer withhold me from the 
enjoyment of this melancholy pleasured. 

Sunday 2nd. August. On Board the Lady Provost. Sailed all night — 
Fair and heavy wind — High sea. From j^-j to Nine Knots an hour. 
Mountains on the American shore appear like blue clouds. Sea Sick.*' 

Passed a point of land projecting into the Lake several miles called 
Long Point. Could see land faintly without being able to distinguish 
objects. Evening. Heavy storm rising." 

6 oclock. P. M. All the sails except the mainsails settled away and 
a reef taken in them. Lay to or Beat about — below deck all but sailors. 

Tuesday ^rd August. On Board the Lady Provost. Sailed- about 12 
oclock at night the storm having then abated. Within perfect view of 
the american shore and the towns of Buft'aloe and Black Rock. The 
Landscape is beautiful and enticing beyond description. 

Passed Point Fbenan.'" At 11 or 12 anchored at Fort Erie. 

When mournful evenings gradual vapours spread, etc. 

IVedncsdax August 4th. Still on Board the Lady Provost. Wind 
changed fair for Amherstburgh last night, and about daylight this morn- 
ing the Nancx and Hunter sailed about Sixty Regulars to reinforce 
Maiden.'" (ienl. Brock has gone up by land with 400 men principally 
Militia to operate against our army. 

■" Here three stanzas from The Pains of Memory arc omitted. 

^ Here ihc writi-r has copied into his journal Osborn"s The Sailor, which 
we omit. 

^* Abino. 

■"They reached .Amherstburg August 8. and. sent across the river at once by 
Procter, reinforced the British just before the engagement at Maguaga on the 9th. 
Richardson, p. 35. 




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